"Used wisely social media can be a force for good. In many ways it can connect us with the natural world and bring greater understanding of chimpanzees and the other amazing animals who inhabit this planet. And it can also inform us about the urgent need to protect them and their habitats. On the other hand, some of the material shared on social media – “cute” infant chimpanzees dressed in human clothes; selfies with various wild animals, and other animals forced to perform for “entertainment”.

All animals should be treated with respect and there should be nothing in social media to encourage people to buy wild animals as pets or to think that animals used in entertainment are “happy”. Please help us share the message that many animals, including chimpanzees and other apes, are endangered in the wild and we should share nothing online that might give a boost to the illegal wildlife trade".

You can help stop wildlife trafficking

#ForeverWild

Wild chimpanzees and the other great apes – gorillas, orangutans and bonobos - belong in their natural habitat. But the survival of wild chimpanzees and great apes is threatened by human activities. Demand from the ‘bushmeat’ and live animal trade leads to great apes being illegally stolen from the wild to become exotic pets, attractions in disreputable zoos, or posing or performing for tourist entertainment. Sadly, demand for exotic pets and inappropriate interactions with live wildlife is being boosted by harmful content in the media and online.

Together, we will make a difference.

Make conscious and informed choices about what you like and share. Promoting only positive depictions will help keep these amazing beings ForeverWild.

We are asking everyone to help create a better future for chimpanzees and other great apes and primates by taking care with what you view, create and share on social media and elsewhere. Use the power at your fingertips to promote a culture of respect, safety and dignity for wildlife. You could help save the lives of many endangered apes.

Share our graphic below to inform others about the problem with this type of content.

Meet George

At the Jane Goodall Institute, we care for chimpanzees like George, who were stolen from the wild as infants. Through expert care and rehabilitation, we are able to give George another chance at a good life. Through collaboration with local communities and authorities, we work to grow protection for great apes in their habitat ranges. Regionally and globally, participation in research and leadership in wider collaborative efforts around the world allows us to grow public action in the hope that chimpanzees and all great apes and other wildlife can face a brighter future.